Free fundraiser featured wildlife biologist J. Drew Lanham
The Katy Prairie Conservancy, one of the largest local land conservation organizations by acreage in southeast Texas, hosted its 2020 Bash on Tuesday, October 20, 2020 at 6:30 pm. Thanks to the generous donors in attendance, more than $150,000 was raised to continue the preservation of coastal prairie in southeast Texas.
The evening began with remarks from Mark Klein, Chairman of the Board, to introduce the organization, followed by the event’s keynote speaker, J. Drew Lanham. Dr. Lanham is a birder, naturalist, and hunter-conservationist who has published essays and poetry in several publications and is the author of the book The Home Place: Memoirs of a Colored Man’s Love Affair with Nature. He engaged and inspired all participants as he spoke about the shared vision and value of protecting the Earth, no matter a person’s background, beliefs, or skin color.
Co-chairs Nicole and Sam Hix and Rene and Mauri Pineda joined forces to make this year’s event a unique one, which was both completely virtual and free to all participants. Donations received on the night of the event help continue the work of the organization to protect the coastal prairie and restore and enhance conserved lands.
Attendees enjoyed the evening from their homes by sipping on the Bash’s signature cocktail, The Green Heron, while bidding on some hot ticket items, including a private outdoor dinner with local chef Monica Pope.
The evening was emceed by Houston’s famed radio personality and DJ, Johnny Bravo, who brought energy to the event and helped honor the Donors for a Decade, individuals and foundations who have financially supported the Katy Prairie Conservancy for ten years or more. Underwriters included: Ann & Tom Kelsey, Stephanie & Brad Tucker, Virginia & Jack Chandler, Graeme & Edgar Marston, Electra & Douglas Elliott, Elizabeth & Mark Klein, Nancy Willerson, Jacque & Kevin Bartol, Mary Anne Piacentini & Drexel Turner, Kelly & Eliot Turner, Marta Bianchi, Clark Condon, Melinda & Jay Chernosky, Marsha & Sam Dodson III, Elizabeth & Steve Gast, Ann Hamilton, Nicole & Sam Hix, Jill & Dunham Jewett, Sis & Hasty Johnson, Wendy & Mavis Kelsey Jr., Jordan Mack & Harry Masterson, Paige & Carlo Navarro, Rene & Mauri Pineda, Iris & David Poteet, RES, and Robbie Sharp & Michael Huffmaster.
To learn more about Katy Prairie Conservancy and the 2020 Bash, visit katyprairie.org or contact Brooke Kaplan at brooke@likemindstalk.com.